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raymond_murphy 's review for:
Patternmaster
by Octavia E. Butler
So looking at the Patternist novels as a whole, I'd say that Wild Seed is the best, then Clay's Ark, Mind of My Mind, and finally, this Patternmaster.
I think I would feel differently if I'd read in publication order. The oomph of the world building here is lost because I have so much more more detail and context than a first time 1976 reader. Similarly, I love Parable of the Sower, and I have already seen an "on the road" story done really well. Which brings me to my last point: Patternmaster's male protagonist is much less interesting and powerful than her many women main characters. He isn't really all that nice either.
I think I would feel differently if I'd read in publication order. The oomph of the world building here is lost because I have so much more more detail and context than a first time 1976 reader. Similarly, I love Parable of the Sower, and I have already seen an "on the road" story done really well. Which brings me to my last point: Patternmaster's male protagonist is much less interesting and powerful than her many women main characters. He isn't really all that nice either.